R&B Christmas Ball Recap: A Heartfelt Trip Back to the 90s
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Feelings
Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak fame.
Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Cheer
Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
While the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.